Duval County Inmate Search

This article explains how to perform a Duval County, Florida inmate search, what the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) inmate records show, and how to interpret booking, bond, and housing details. You’ll find a step-by-step walkthrough for using the official search portal, guidance on video visitation and inmate mail, and practical tips to avoid common mistakes—everything organized so you can quickly locate accurate information.

Navigate the Official JSO Inmate Search—Start in the Right Place

Use the JSO inmate search tool (not third-party sites)

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office maintains the official Inmate Information Search for Duval County. Start at the inmate search portal operated by JSO to look up current and historical custody information, including booking details, charges, mugshots (when available), and housing location. Use the Inmate Information page to confirm you’re on the correct government resource and to learn what the tool contains in general terms.

Try Inmate Information Search via the official portal: Inmate Search
Review the JSO’s overview page: Inmate Information

Confirm you’re on an official government domain

Before you search, check that the address bar shows a jaxsheriff.org subdomain (or the direct inmatesearch.jaxsheriff.org site). The official site is operated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the agency responsible for corrections facilities within Duval County. Avoid using look-alike pages or unofficial search engines that may not reflect current custody.

Execute a Precise Duval County Inmate Search Step by Step

Gather the strongest identifiers you have

The JSO inmate search supports both current and historical record lookups. You can search by name alone, but accuracy improves if you also have:

Full legal name as it appears on ID or court records
Alternate spellings or common aliases
Date of birth (DOB)
Booking number if you received it from an arrest report, bond paperwork, or court filing

Enter the name carefully and try variations

Exact spelling first. If there’s no match, try a shortened first name (e.g., “Rob” for “Robert”) or a hyphenated last name without the hyphen.

Common transpositions. Swap “Mc/Mac,” “O’/O,” and consider maiden names or known aliases.

One field at a time. If you’re unsure about DOB, search by name only; then refine with DOB if results are too broad.

Use historical search to locate recent releases

JSO’s tool includes information about incarcerated and released inmates. If you believe the person was released within the last days or weeks, historical results may still provide the booking record, charges, and release status, which can be crucial for court tracking.

Verify the right person with cross-checks

Once results appear, compare:

Full name and DOB
Booking number and arrest/booking dates
Mugshot (when provided)
Charges and bond details
Housing location (facility and unit if shown)

If multiple entries look similar, the booking number and DOB are your best tiebreakers.

Understand Each Result: Booking, Charges, Bond, Housing, and Release

Booking and processing milestones

When an individual is arrested in Duval County, they are taken to the John E. Goode Pretrial Detention Facility for intake—property inventory, booking, medical screening, and cell assignment—before they become eligible for release or video visitation. Release processing times vary and depend on court orders, bond posting, identification clearance, and housing logistics. For context about how the jail system operates and what services exist (medical, dental, religious services, recreation, telephone privileges, visitation, mail, and commissary), review JSO’s Corrections Facility Information page: Corrections Facility Information

Charge information and counts

Search results typically list charges associated with the current or past booking. Expect to see:

Charge descriptions and possibly statutory references
Counts (how many instances of a charge)
Bond type/amount if set by the court

If a charge appears unfamiliar, remember that descriptive language may be abbreviated. The presence or absence of bond is determined by the court and may change after first appearance.

Bond pathways in Duval County

JSO explains that you may post a cash bond at the jail’s public reception area (full amount; cashier’s check or USPS money order may be permitted per JSO rules) or pursue a surety bond through a licensed bonding agency of your choosing. Officers cannot recommend specific agencies. For civil confinement situations (e.g., a Writ of Attachment), a court may set a purge amount that must be paid at the courthouse during business hours or at the jail after hours.

Housing location and facility types

A record will typically show the inmate’s facility and—if applicable—unit assignments. Duval County corrections are administered by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office across multiple sites, including:

John E. Goode Pretrial Detention Facility (downtown Jacksonville) for pre-trial, federal, juvenile, and various county/state sentenced inmates.

Montgomery Correctional Center (Northside) primarily for county sentenced inmates.

Community Transition Center (work furlough and substance abuse programs).

Jacksonville Re-Entry Center (JREC) for re-entry services.

Housing location helps family members correctly address legal mail and plan video visitation logistics (see below).

Read the JSO Inmate Record Like a Pro

Common fields to review closely

Booking number: The most reliable anchor for calling facilities, scheduling video visitation, and sending approved legal mail and authorized publications.

Arrest and booking dates: Useful for tracking timelines around first appearance and court filings.

Bond amount/type: Indicates whether immediate release is possible upon payment. Changes may occur after court.

Holding authority: If present, shows additional jurisdictional holds (e.g., another county or federal authority).

Release status: If released, the historical record remains helpful for case follow-up.

Interpreting mugshots and data availability

JSO notes that the portal is designed to provide mugshots and other useful information. However, mugshots may not appear for every single record depending on status or policy. When available, use the image to confirm identity, but cross-verify with DOB and booking number.

Video Visitation in Duval County: What to Know Before You Schedule

Remote-only custody visits—and a dedicated onsite Video Visitation Center

Duval County corrections uses video visitation. There is no in-person visitation inside housing units. Family and friends have two options:

Remote video visitation (initiated by the inmate calling an approved visitor account).

Onsite Video Visitation Center located at 500 E. Adams Street (same complex as the Pretrial Detention Facility), available Friday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Eastern Time, including holidays. Onsite visits are at no cost, allow one visitor per week, last up to two hours, and must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. Visits can be scheduled up to 14 days ahead.

Follow attire and conduct rules to avoid suspensions

Video visitation has strict standards. Examples of violations that may end a session and lead to suspensions include: recording or live-streaming, nudity, obscured faces, being in a moving vehicle, displaying contraband, engaging in three-way calls, or using another inmate’s account. Repeat offenses escalate suspensions. If a session stops unexpectedly, JSO indicates it’s often due to a rules violation. Read and follow all JSO rules carefully to keep access intact.

Practical scheduling tips

Plan early for weekends/holidays. Onsite slots can fill quickly.

Set up your identity verification well in advance. Approval is required before inmates can initiate a call.

Keep the camera steady and your face centered. Poor lighting or off-camera behavior can lead to termination.

One visit per week (onsite). Use your time wisely; have a list of updates and questions ready.

Mail, Money, and Property: Policy Highlights for Duval County

Personal mail—centralized processing for regular correspondence

Effective October 1, 2024, JSO routes personal mail (letters and postcards) through a centralized inmate mail processing center where content is scanned and delivered digitally to inmate tablets. Always include:

Inmate’s full name
10-digit booking number
Sender’s full return address

Mail is inspected for contraband; oversized or altered envelopes, packages, and unauthorized items are rejected or treated as contraband. Legal mail and approved publications have different addressing rules (see below).

Legal mail and authorized publications—send directly to the correct facility

Legal mail is not affected by the scanning process and must be sent to the facility where the inmate is housed. Similarly, authorized publications (magazines, newspapers, periodicals by subscription in the inmate’s name and paperback books shipped directly from approved retailers) must be sent to the facility address and follow quantity restrictions. Hardback books are prohibited. Inmates are limited in how many periodicals and paperback books they may possess; excess items can be mailed out or disposed of as contraband.

Depositing funds to inmate accounts

JSO uses a designated deposit system for inmate accounts. Family and friends may add funds electronically or via lobby kiosks at corrections locations. Funds posted correctly are typically available quickly, which can help cover commissary, phone, and basic supplies. Inmates without funds receive basic health/comfort items with the cost debited against future deposits.

Important: This guide references policy highlights. Always verify procedures and payment methods on official JSO pages or by contacting the appropriate facility, as methods and business rules can change.

Court, Release, and Re-Entry: Connect the Dots After You Search

Bonding and release flow

After you identify a booking on the JSO search, the most common next steps include:

Determine bond status. If a bond is set, decide whether to post a cash bond at the jail or to engage a licensed bonding agency for a surety bond.

Track first appearance and court dates. Many release decisions happen shortly after booking, and information can shift quickly.

Consider civil purge requirements. If the incarceration stems from a civil matter, a purge amount might be set by the judge and must be paid at the courthouse during business hours or at the jail after hours.

Re-entry services

The Jacksonville Re-Entry Center (JREC) provides transition support post-release, including orientation and electronic monitoring fee processing windows. If you’re assisting someone with re-entry, confirm reporting requirements and hours directly with JREC to stay in compliance.

Troubleshoot Your Search: When You Can’t Find the Person You Expect

The name returns “no results”

Check spelling and try middle names or initials.

Try partial names. Start with last name and the first few letters of the first.

Add/remove DOB. Cycle between precise and broad searches.

Consider timing. If the person was just arrested, booking and identification clearance can take time to appear. If the person was recently released, switch to historical results.

Multiple people with similar names

Use DOB and booking number to pinpoint the correct record.
Compare charge sets and booking dates—often enough to separate near-matches.

You need a record for court or an employer

Save or print the relevant page from the official portal.

If you need certified documents or broader case files, use the JSO’s Public Records pathway: Submit a Public Records Request

Public Transparency, Accessibility, and Language Support

Budget, policy, and performance transparency

JSO provides an online transparency resource with dashboards, reports, and public information. If you’re researching trends or need verified data to support advocacy or legal work, consult the official Transparency Portal: Transparency Portal

Accessibility commitments

JSO publicly states its commitment to ADA, Section 508, and WCAG guidance, and provides information about accommodations. For details about requesting assistance, see the agency’s Accessibility Statement: Accessibility Statement

Contact the agency directly when needed

When search complications arise—complex name spellings, juvenile matters, or medical/legal exceptions—use the official JSO Contact Us page to reach the appropriate office: Contact Us

Corrections Facilities in Duval County: What Each Site Handles

John E. Goode Pretrial Detention Facility (Downtown)

Primary intake and booking site for arrests in Duval County.

Houses pre-trial inmates and also federal, juvenile, state, and county sentenced inmates.

The Video Visitation Center is co-located at 500 E. Adams Street and handles onsite video visits (no cost; one visit per week; schedule a minimum 24 hours in advance; Friday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m.).

Legal mail and authorized publications should be addressed directly to this facility when the inmate is housed here (follow the facility format precisely).

Key tip: Public lobby access is limited to specific purposes (e.g., attorney visits, court-ordered business, paying bonds, picking up property limited to money/keys, limited notary services). Call ahead to confirm access windows, identification requirements, and any special instructions.

Montgomery Correctional Center (Northside)

Primarily houses county-sentenced inmates.

Similar lobby access limitations apply (e.g., attorney visits, court-ordered business, limited notary services related to medical power of attorney).

Legal mail and authorized publications must be addressed to this facility using the required format when the inmate is housed here.

Key tip: If you’re mailing approved publications or paperback books (no hardbacks), adhere to the quantity limits. Excess items are not stored; they’re mailed out by the inmate or disposed of as contraband per policy.

Community Transition Center

Houses county-sentenced men and women in Work Furlough and Substance Abuse Treatment (Matrix House) programs, plus inmate workers assigned there.

Accepts authorized property at the public reception area during regular operating hours (not during visitation hours).

Handles GPS monitoring fee payments via onsite kiosk as directed by JSO.

Key tip: Verify program-specific reporting times and restrictions before delivering property. Items sold at commissary are not accepted as drop-offs.

Jacksonville Re-Entry Center (JREC)

Provides orientation and ongoing support in the first days after release.

Lists hours for the Electronic Monitoring Unit and accepts fees by multiple payment methods.

Offers phone support for questions about monitoring enrollment and compliance.

Key tip: If release is imminent, plan a family transportation/communication plan that includes a stop at JREC if required by the release paperwork.

Inmate Rights, Safety, and Reporting

PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) compliance

JSO affirms a zero-tolerance policy for sexual assault, staff sexual misconduct, and harassment. Inmates receive orientation materials explaining how to report victimization; reports can be submitted confidentially or anonymously and may come from inmates, staff, family, attorneys, or other third parties. JSO states that complaints are thoroughly investigated, with information disclosed only to those who need to know for investigative or prosecutorial purposes.

What families can do: If an inmate communicates safety concerns, document the date/time, encourage immediate reporting through internal channels, and consider contacting the facility to ensure the concerns are received. Life-safety issues take priority.

Make the Most of Your Search: Practical Scenarios and Checklists

Scenario A: You just learned about an arrest

Go to the official Inmate Information Search and look up the person by name.

Confirm identity using DOB and mugshot (if available).

Note the booking number and charges.

Check bond status and amount; if present, decide whether to post a cash bond at the jail or seek a surety bond through a licensed agency.

If you plan to visit by video, begin the visitor account process and schedule onsite if that’s your preference for the week.

Scenario B: You think the person was released, but you still need documentation

Use the historical results within the same official JSO search portal.

Save a copy of the booking summary for your records.

For certified records or extended case files, initiate a Public Records Request via JSO: Submit a Public Records Request

Scenario C: You need to send legal mail or authorized publications

Confirm the current facility on the JSO search result.

Address legal mail and authorized publications directly to that facility (not the mail scanning center).

Include the inmate’s name and 10-digit booking number, and follow all quantity and content restrictions.

Quick checklist: Common mistakes to avoid

Using non-official websites or social media posts as your primary source

Misspelling names or skipping known aliases

Ignoring the booking number, which is essential for mail, visitation, or property questions

Attempting in-person lobby visits for general social visitation (Duval County uses video visitation only)

Sending hardback books or exceeding publication limits

Recording, live-streaming, or conducting video visits in a car—these cause terminations and suspensions

Duval County Florida Inmate Search: Relevant Departments, Addresses, and Phone Numbers

John E. Goode Pretrial Detention Facility — 500 E. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 — 904.630.5760

Montgomery Correctional Center — 4727 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218 — 904.630.8800

Community Transition Center — 451 Catherine Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 — 904.630.2856

Jacksonville Re-Entry Center (JREC) — 1024 Superior Street, Jacksonville, FL 32254 — 904.630.8600